Ever since BSI writer Conor Duffy reported a breaking Red Sox story yesterday I have resisted the temptation time and again to comment. It has, however, become too much of a burden to carry around. For the past 24-hours this information has been the burr in my saddle, the curdled cream in my coffee, a habit I just can’t break, a…well…you get it. The incident is not the spectacular Plaxico Burress variety but more the YouTube Darwin Award nominee type.
July 11, 2012; Reading, PA USA; Portland SeaDogs player Bryce Brentz (25) smiles after fouling off a pitch during the AA Eastern League All-Star game at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Eastern Division defeated the Western Division, 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The headline read “Bryce Brentz Injured In Freak Gun Accident”. The more I’ve had a chance to think about this the more I’m feeling as though my headline for it should have read “Freak Bryce Brentz Injured In Gun Accident”.
Honestly, is it too much to ask that any gun owner, anytime, anywhere to follow two basic principles?
1. Make absolutely certain the gun doesn’t have ammo in it.
2. Clean gun.
Seems pretty gun cleaning 101 to me. Nevertheless, after Brentz’ teleconference with the press in which he issued a very tersely worded statement and then beat a hasty retreat, GM Ben Cherington later told the media that Brentz had shot himself in the leg. Literally shooting yourself in the leg can indeed sometimes figuratively mean shooting yourself in the foot. As the black knight shouts in Monty Python’s Holy Grail after getting hacked up, “It’s just a flesh wound.”
Brentz, an outfielder with speed and power, is a top 10 Red Sox prospect. Before the accident, Sox manager John Farrell had commented on Brentz’ progress with the club. “Bryce Brentz, he is that power hitting outfielder for us,” said Farrell. “He’s going to be in Triple-A. He’s got a chance, if an injury comes up or we need a right-handed right-fielder, this is a guy that physically profiles to the position.”
Well an injury did come up, just not the one either Farrell or Brentz expected.
Hit Me With Your Best Shot!
Why Don’t You Hit Me With Your Best Shot!
Hit Me With Your Best Shot!
Fire Away!
– Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Pat Benatar